Johnny Walker's brutal knee KO at UFC 332 sparks calls for Pereira superfight

Johnny Walker announced his arrival at heavyweight in emphatic fashion at UFC 332 on Saturday, stopping Mick Parkin with a brutal knee knockout in less than one round on his debut at the weight class.

The Brazilian had long flirted with stardom at light heavyweight, building a devoted following through a string of spectacular finishes and an outsized personality. Moving up to heavyweight, Walker delivered exactly the kind of statement performance that silences doubters — and immediately set social media alight among his fellow fighters.

Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was among the most vocal, calling for Walker to be matched with light heavyweight and former middleweight champion Alex Pereira. “I’ve seen enough, give me Walker vs. Poatan,” Muhammad wrote. Veteran contender Renato Moicano went even further, suggesting the UFC should “give Johnny Walker the belt already.”

Walker himself showed no shortage of confidence in his post-fight remarks, declaring that no one in the heavyweight division can fight the way he does and insisting the best of his career is still to come. Whether that proves to be bulletin-board bravado or genuine prophecy, the performance at UFC 332 gave it real weight.

The Pereira angle is the one that will capture the imagination. Poatan has carved through two divisions with a ferocity that has made him one of the sport’s most compelling figures, and a matchup with the equally explosive Walker — should he continue his climb at heavyweight — would carry genuine box-office appeal. For now, Walker has done exactly what a debuting fighter needs to do: leave the promotion and its roster with no choice but to talk about him.